McGoverne returns to Sandy Park to play in “the best competition in the world”

Exeter Chiefs Women will welcome back utility back Liv McGoverne to Sandy Park next season.

McGoverne spent one season with Chiefs, making the fly-half shirt her own, before heading back to New Zealand to play for Matatū. She made her Chiefs debut against DMP Sharks in September 2022 and quickly became a mainstay of the starting line-up.

A proven goalkicker and playmaker, the Christchurch-born back first started playing rugby at high school at the age of 13. Since then, she has developed her game year on year and believes her previous move to the Northern Hemisphere helped add to her skillset, particularly tackling some of the best names in the game in the English league.

Now she’s back for more!

McGoverne said: “I have joined Exeter Chiefs again because I want to be playing in the Allianz PWR as I believe it’s the best competition in the world.

“I love this club and the environment we had when I was last here. I’ve never felt a buzz like playing in front of a home crowd at Sandy Park, so I can’t wait to have that feeling again!

“I feel like we have unfinished business, so I’m really excited for the season ahead to see what we can do.”

The 27-year-old, who is also comfortable playing at inside centre and full-back, has already played 26 games for Chiefs, scoring five tries and kicking 204 points.

Head coach Susie Appleby said: “With her goal-kicking prowess and game leadership, Liv will be an excellent addition to next season’s squad to complement the work already being delivered by Gabby Cantorna and Alex Tessier especially. She is already familiar with the way we work, and we know her too, so she should just slot straight back in.

“Liv is one of several players we are welcoming back for more action at Sandy Park next season. I think it says an awful lot when players want to come back to a club, and we are delighted to have so many who want to return.”